TalkSPORT pundit had doubts over 23-year-old Chelsea player but is becoming a fan

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Andy Townsend may be prepared to change his mind on Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher after seeing his impressive performances this season.

We’ve seen a few Chelsea players emerge as favourites under Mauricio Pochettino, including Conor Gallagher.

The Blues head coach is trying to find some consistency in his starting line-up, which is allow certain combinations to develop and grow their understanding.

Gallagher, 23, is looking like one of the most consistent performers at Stamford Bridge.

The English box-to-box midfielder has started every Premier League game since Pochettino’s arrival.

We’ve seen a nice partnership form in the centre of the park recently with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, too.

Chelsea form

TalkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend has admitted he’s had his doubts regarding Gallagher in the past. He’s starting to warm to the England international this campaign, though.

“Conor Gallagher’s really impressed me in recent weeks. I think he’s played very well,” Townsend told talkSPORT (8:43am, 24 October).

“I’ve said before that I’m not quite sure if a Chelsea team that is going to get back into the top four, whether Conor Gallagher would be part of that, but credit where it’s due. I think he’s taken on board everything that Pochettino’s been throwing at him recently, and he’s shown another side to his game.

“He can handle the ball in those tight areas. We’ve always known he can run and get in the box and disturb defences that way. He’s played with the ball very nicely.”

Conor Gallagher stock is rising

The fact that Gallagher has acted as the stand-in captain a few times already this season highlights how highly he’s rated by Pochettino.

Remarkably, the 23-year-old does actually possess more Premier League experience than a lot of the young squad as well.

TEAMtalk claimed this week that Brighton are among the league rivals interested in signing Gallagher. However, Chelsea’s academy graduate is enjoying his time under Pochettino and wants to sign a contract extension at Stamford Bridge.

Along with Townsned, we’re noticing a general shift within the fanbase when it comes to the attitude towards Gallagher.

The midfielder is becoming so important to the Blues when it comes to quickly transitioning from defence to attack. Also, it’s hard not to admire a player who covers every blade of grass with relentless energy.